Bears decide to bring in another kicker

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Chicago Bears said Monday they had signed kicker Redford Jones.

There is wide speculation that the Bears will part with Cody Parkey, who missed 11 kicks in his first season in Chicago. That included a 43-yard attempt, partially blocked, that would have beaten Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs.

The 24-year-old Jones played at Tulsa and was not drafted after going 12 of 16 on field goals and 44 of 45 on extra point tries as a senior in 2017.

Bears General Manager Ryan Pace has vowed to upgrade the kicker position. Chicago faces a $5.2 million salary cap hit if they release Parkey without a June 1 designation.

Kicker Adam Vinatieri signed a one-year contract with the Colts.

At age 46, he will again be the league's oldest active player next season. If he plays beyond his birthday on Dec. 28, he would join George Blanda and Morten Andersen as the only 47-year-olds to appear in an NFL game.

Even the fabled ''frozen tundra'' of Lambeau Field wasn't able to withstand the heavy snow and blustery winds that have closed hundreds of businesses, schools and government offices in Wisconsin.

The Green Bay Packers said stadium tours, the Lambeau Field Atrium and all its businesses, including the Packers Hall of Fame and the team's pro shop is closed to visitors Monday.

Snow continues to pile up across Wisconsin and other Midwestern states. As much as 14 inches (355 millimeters) of snow was expected Monday in parts of Wisconsin accompanied by strong, northeast winds off Lake Michigan which are creating whiteout conditions on roadways.

Forecasters say the snow will be followed by dangerous cold Wednesday with windchills of 25 to 50 degrees below zero.

An Associated Press analysis revealed that centers — not running backs, linebackers or defensive backs — who were becoming more endangered more quickly than players at any other position . In 2009, the average center had six years in the league. This season, the average center had four years of experience.

Even though Brian Flores has not formally been hired as the Dolphins' next head coach, the Patriots' defensive play-caller's coaching staff already is coming into focus.

Flores, who can't be named Dolphins coach until after the Patriots face the Rams in Super Bowl LIII on Sunday in Atlanta, will attempt to hire Patriots receivers coach Chad O'Shea as the Dolphins' offensive coordinator, according to a league source.

And according to an NFL Network report Monday, former Jaguars defensive line coach Marion Hobby and Robbie Leonard, who spent last year as the Giants outside linebackers coach, will also be joining Flores' staff in Miami.

Flores is also reportedly hiring former Colts and Lions coach Jim Caldwell as his assistant head coach and former Packers linebackers coach Patrick Graham as his defensive coordinator.

Lions linebacker Trevor Bates is undergoing a psychological evaluation at a New York City hospital after his weekend arrest on charges accusing him of punching a police officer after failing to pay a taxi fare. The evaluation is delaying Bates' arraignment on charges including assault, resisting arrest and theft of services, authorities said.

Police say they were ready to let Bates go with an appearance ticket if he didn't have any outstanding warrants. Bates refused to be fingerprinted and punched a sergeant in the face, police said.

Sgt. James O'Brien, who was socked as he tried to calm Bates down, suffered a concussion and needed stitches over his left eye, police said. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Bates was subdued with a stun gun and taken to a hospital.

• The Bills re-signed long snapper Reid Ferguson to a three-year contract.